#144: Campaining...

I observed the official opening of pre-election campaigning from Naryn. All the billboards with political ads in Naryn (except cell phone and other commercial ads) belonged to Ak Jol Party. This one is located in downtown Naryn. Their slogan 'Bir tütün Kīrgīzstan' is a paraphrased version in Kyrgyz of Akaev's slogan 'Кыргызстан - наш общий дом' - Kyrgyzstan is our common home.
President Bakiev made a few unexpected (some say very much expected) cabinet reshuffles. PM Atambaev, the leader of the Social Democrats (SDPK), was reportedly asked to leave. Edil Baisalov, SDPK's executive secretary, already said that it was an "involuntary" step-down. Atamabaev wanted to remain in the position, thus not run for the parliament, as a counter-balance to prevent the usage of state machinery in favor of Ak Jol Party.

The President also fired the Governor of Osh, Jantörö Satybaldiev, who had pro-opposition inclinations. He was charged with "abuse of power." He apparently was replaced by a more obedient person 20 days before the election day. The Governor of Jalalabad, Iskender Aydaraliev, was promoted to be the Acting PM. He is our 16th prime minister in the history of an independent Kyrgyzstan. This raises the question whether we need a prime minister whatsoever.

Kyrgyz media in their reporting and volume of campaigning ads is heavily leaning towards Ak Jol. Once an opposition newspaper, Agym now became feverishly pro-government after its owner, Melis Eshimkanov, was appointed to head the State TV. Yesterday's issue of the newspaper had Ak Jol Saga, Kīrgīzstan! (Kyrgyzstan, we wish you a bright path) on its front page. Agym usually runs 20 000 copies, but now it is 180 000 copies.

All in all, it is getting politically hotter in Bishkek. Plus, not much snow in the mountains to escape Bishkek and spend a day snowboarding.